PS4 SLIM VS PS4 PRO – RELEASE DATE

The PS4 Slim was the first new PlayStation console to arrive as it's launched on September 15. It's designed to be the direct replacement to the original PS4, which means it isn't really designed for those who already have a PS4.

The PS4 Pro on the other hand arrived a little later, on November 10 and is designed to be the console for those looking for the best tech and want to take advantage of the latest visual standards - 4K and HDR.

PS4 SLIM VS PS4 PRO – PRICE

The most surprising thing about both Sony's new consoles is the price. Both boxes come way under our estimated prices and are sure to undercut the upcoming Xbox Project Scorpio by some way.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The PS4 Slim is the more affordable option, launching on September 15 for just £249.

Then you've got the more powerful and therefore more expensive PS4 Pro, which will retail for £349. But you get more power and twice the hard drive size for an extra £100 with the PS4 Pro.

The gaming giant has said is that the PS4 Pro has double the GPU power of the original PS4 and has a boosted CPU clock rate. It also boasts a 1TB hard drive, which isn't quite the beefy HDD we were expecting, but it's as equally as upgradable as the original model.

Basically, the PS4 Pro has faster CPU and speedier RAM, and significantly more graphics processing power, which means it's faster, more powerful and capable of supporting 4K and HDR outputs for games and streaming services like Amazon and Netflix.

PS4 SLIM VS PS4 PRO – DESIGN

Both the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim share the same new softer design scheme.

They're ditched the angular design of the original PS4 in favour of softer corners and a totally matte finish. Gone is the half-gloss, half-matte texturing of the original PS4.

The PS4 Slim has a significantly slimmer profile. It's smaller in volume by 30%, weight by 16%, and power consumption has been lowered by 28% compared with the original PS4 .

You'll also notice that there's no light bar on the PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro. Instead, there's a tiny indicator light near the power button that serves the same function near the disc-drive on the Slim, and a longer version that sits between the layers of the PS4 Pro.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

We're loving the PlayStation symbols on the underside of the two new consoles, which act as little rubber feet to stop the console from slipping when it's working at maximum capacity. It's a lovely nod to PlayStation's heritage.

One thing to note about the PS4 Slim is that it lacks an optical audio port, so anyone rocking an older speaker system may want to double check that before they splash any dosh. The PS4 Pro does have an optical audio port though and an extra USB port around the back.

PS4 SLIM VS PS4 PRO – CONTROLLER

The PS4 Neo and PS4 Slim both feature the same new design controller, so you're going to experience the same across both consoles. But it's basically a slight tweak on the classic DualShock 4 bad – if it ain't broke, don't fix it right?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The revamped DualShock 4's biggest design tweak relates to the light bar. There's now a sliver of light bar visible on the touchpad on the front of the controller, which will allow you to see the colour you're rocking without having to play in a darkened room or flip the controller over to check.

This new controller has had a slight paint tweak too, as the D-Pad, joysticks and face buttons are all now grey rather than black as they were on the original DualShock 4 controller.

Plus the panels behind the face buttons and d-pad are now matte to fall in line with the rest of the controller.

Aside from those design tweaks it's the same DualShock 4 that we know and love.

PS4 SLIM VS PS4 PRO – GAMES

GIF

Despite the difference in specs, the PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim and PS4 will all share a library of games, and Sony has said it doesn't plan to launch any PS4 Pro exclusives.

"Whether you're playing on PS4 Pro, the new slimmer and lighter PS4, or the PS4 system you bought at launch in 2013, you'll have access to the same amazing games with the same features and same vibrant community that make PlayStation the best place to play," explained Sony boss Andrew House.

"There won't be any gameplay features exclusive to PS4 Pro or the standard PS4. In fact, we believe the impact of HDR on gaming and entertainment is so promising that all PlayStation 4 systems – back to the very first console sold in 2013 – are now HDR capable."

The idea is that you can share saved data between all the hardware variations, switching seamlessly between them as needs be, bringing your PSN ID and all its associated date with you.

But, the big difference is between the PS4 Pro and the Slim is that the Pro can run games in 4K and with HDR support. That means more beautiful, detailed games with enhanced colours and the top of the range visual fidelity.

You'll also be able to play multiplayer with any other PS4 gamer, regardless of the particular PS4 model they're currently using.

Of course, both consoles will also support the new PlayStation VR that's arriving on October 13, but if you want the ultimate VR experience, the additional graphical and processing grunt will mean better VR for anyone on the Pro.